Season’s End Book Four of The Madison Creek B&BBy Jackie Castle

​Prelude

December 20th - The Second Annual Holiday HoopaloozaEthan Winters straightened his black tie, then checked his reflection in the mirror. He would have tied his long bangs back in a ponytail if it wouldn’t run the risk of bringing on another lecture from his mother about keeping his hair cut in a professional style.He was a musician who played the violin and recorded music for other bands. His style was fitting for his profession. Besides, Haley, his wife that he was about to marry, again, said she loved his longer hairstyle.His beautiful southern girl really was worth all the trouble they’d gone through over this “second wedding.” If only they’d been a little more honest with everyone back in April when they’d decided to get secretly hitched, as Haley liked to call it.Their reasoning, at first, had been to get their businesses up and running more easily. The truth of the matter was, from the moment she’d caused him to drive his Camaro off the road by her grandfather’s rouge snow blower, he’d fallen madly and completely in love with the blond tornado. Ethan Winters could no longer imagine his life without her.Leaning in closer toward the bathroom mirror, he cringed at the dark circles under his gray eyes. He’d taken over his parent’s office at their Adventure Lodge to get dressed in. Haley and her bridesmaids were in the first cabin next to the dining hall where they’d hold the ceremony. Of course, the women had more work involved to get ready than he did.There were no regrets over getting married so quickly, but the past year had been… interesting? Trying at times. Full of challenges. Okay, difficult.But so much had happened, of course, a few bumps were to be expected.They’d not had a “real” wedding, so to speak. For two months, nobody except the pastor who’d performed their private ceremony even knew about their marriage. When Mom and Dad came to Madison Creek to turn the farmlands into a hunting lodge, Mom insisted they have a ‘real’ wedding that she could attend and cry her eyes out at.Mom had taken over his Plan A— building the Lodge that would bring money to the large property— while he focused on Plan B— starting a recording studio so he could continue playing his violin. His first passion.In the craziness of all that, Haley insisted on keeping both her busy barbecue restaurant and bed and breakfast going in her family’s Victorian house.No wonder they felt like a couple of trees caught in a twister, as she often described their situation.No wonder he had bags under his eyes. He’d lost many nights worth of sleep trying to figure out how to manage everything and keep their lives balanced.Then all those balls he’d juggled up in the air had come crashing down around him a couple of months ago with his wife’s latest big announcement. A pounding on the office door drew him back to the present.He checked his watch. “Oh man!”His music partner, Stephen Gaines, poked his head in. “Getting cold feet, buddy?”The groomsmen would all be wearing gray suits and purple ties that would match the bridesmaids’ dresses. Purple. His sister, Bekka’s idea.“No. Of course not. Are they ready to start?” Ethan buttoned his smoky gray jacket, then tried to tuck his hair behind his ears. Maybe that would help, though he doubted it. “Where’s Jeremy?” His younger brother was supposed to stand up with him, too.“The youngest Winters boy is helping to seat guest. The room is packed, buddy. You’ve really made your mark in Madison Creek, haven’t you?”They’d had to limit their guest list to about fifty friends who could fit inside the dining room. They’d made sure to invite those who’d invested in their start-up funds, like Mr. Herchinger, Karen Borgman, and the Altons.“We’ve been blessed with some wonderful friends.” Ethan closed the door behind him and headed down the narrow hall toward the stairs.After the ceremony, they still needed to clean up from the Hoopalooza festivities. His head swam with all that still needed to be done. They’d not leave until tomorrow afternoon for their honeymoon. He hadn’t planned that very well. But the Hoopalooza had grown into such epic proportions, that it required all hands on deck to see it through.What had they been thinking trying to squeeze in this crazy wedding after all the events the town had put on today?At first, it had been Haley’s idea. The annual holiday event was meant to help raise money for the town’s revitalization plan. They’d wanted to do something simple. A few games around the lodge. A snowman building competition on the grounds. A bit of live music and dancing at the studio barn. And of course, snacks and drinks at the Victorian B&B.Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. Then his mother and sister got in on the plans. Mom wasn’t going to miss out on putting together any of her kid’s weddings, even if they were already married.He’d given up trying to argue back in September. For the sake of sanity. It was a lost cause.Stephen pounded him on his back. “Hey, E-man, smile. You look like you’re heading toward your own funeral.”Ethan snorted a half-hearted laugh, reminding himself this was only one day in many. After today, he’d be on the road to a happy life with his beautiful Snow Belle, as he still enjoyed calling her.He shook his head, reminding himself to stay focused. One thing at a time. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and checked to see if Haley had responded yet to his last text. He’d silenced it earlier to keep it from going off at an inopportune time. So far today, they’d had to make an appearance at the town festival, get the horse-drawn carriages ready to go, and then finally the evening celebrations.Now to get through this wedding and I can crash and maybe get some sleep for a change.At least until they had to get up and rush off to catch their flight tomorrow.Don’t think that far ahead. One thing at a time. “Dude,” Stephen grabbed his upper arm and pulled Ethan to a stop before they reached the main room. “Are you okay? I was teasing about having second thoughts. But—”“No, I’m not having second thoughts!” Ethan snapped. His mind was buzzing with a million thoughts, but not backing out of his marriage. Or going through with this showcase wedding. It would satisfy his mother and prove to Haley that he loved her. The doubts she’d been having lately were completely unfounded and silly. She’d been on such an emotional roller-coaster lately“It’s been a busy day, that’s all.” There were too many things tugging at him and Ethan had a hard time keeping up with it all. He didn’t even want to think about the…. No! Don’t go there. Not right now.“I’m fine,” Ethan insisted.Stephen, his best and longest friend in the world, studied him with a probing stare. Gaines had come a long way over the past year and was practically a new guy. Practically. Some things would probably never change.In a few months, they’d be brothers-in-law when he married Ethan’s sister, Bekka.Lord, help me.Ethan patted his shoulder. “Seriously, I’m fine. A little overwhelmed with everything going on today. But…”“Right. I get it. You two aren’t the smartest about planning things out, are you?”“Tell me.” Ethan chuckled then led them out into the bustling room. Pastor Chogan was already standing at the front. The seats were filled, and a few lingering folks leftover from the festivities lined the glass wall of the lodge. Mom and Dad sat up front, mom already dabbing at her eyes.Jeremy quickly moved away from the group of girls he’d been chatting, or flirting, with. Most of them worked for Haley in her restaurant where his little brother liked to spend most of his time when he wasn’t away attending college.Stephen fixed the young man’s tie, then they both took their places on the left side of Pastor Chogan. Ethan felt like an artifact in a museum display case. All eyes were on him as the voices hushed and the music started.The band played the first song. One of Haley’s favorite country tunes.Ethan shifted his weight from one foot to the other, fighting the urge to check his phone again. Haley hadn’t actually meant what she’d yell at him that morning, had she? He’d been in such a rush to get to town for the opening ceremony, he’d only caught part of her rant.Something about…Lexie appeared at the end of the aisle. In this light, the purple fabric shimmered and was becoming against her tanned skin and dark hair. Alexandria Hamilton, Haley’s half-sister, talked with the same Texas drawl but was her polar opposite. Where Haley was bubbly and full of exciting ideas, Lexie was more somber and practical and took no bull from anyone. Including her sissy. Talk about throwing a box of firecrackers into a blazing fire…that had been their life since the little…well, since Lexie had shown up back in September. And he’d thought Haley was a spitfire.At least they could get things underway now. Except at rehearsal, Bekka was supposed to walk down first, not Lexie who’d been given the Maid of Honor title. Actually, Lex insisted on the honor spot, but whatever.Ethan tugged at the hem of his jacket, making sure everything was straight as he waited for his bride to walk down the aisle toward him. Which dress had she chosen? Mom had made her try on nearly three dozen, that he knew of, declaring none of them as the one.It was a dress! What difference did it really make? She’d only wear it a couple of hours anyway if he had anything to do with it. Unless she was still all-fire mad. Then….Pastor Chogan motioned for them to start the wedding march.Lexie’s face paled. She straightened her shoulders as if trying to ready herself for something unpleasant. Why was she acting like she was walking up to view a casket, instead of partaking in her sister’s wedding? Where was her bouquet? They’d spent a lot of money for all those flowers! Hadn’t anyone paid any attention to rehearsal last night? He could have used that two hours taking care of the festival plans if this was going to be how they did things.Her dark brows furrowed as she gnawed on her bottom lip, the same way her sissy often did when worried about something. Ethan sent her a questioning look.Lexie’s chest expanded as she sucked in a deep breath and headed down the aisle. Not in the slow gait like they’d practiced. She marched at a quick pace, her black ropers clomping over the wood floor until she stopped directly in front of him, her fists clenched at her sides.Ethan slowly shook his head in confusion. He glanced toward the back doors where the women were supposed to make their entrance. Bekka was nowhere to be seen. Nor was Haley.Leaning forward until their faces are only inches apart, Lexie hissed, “Hale ain’t coming. She said forget this whole shamble. She’s done with pretending that every thing’s peachy keen.”What? He tried to speak, but the words froze in his chest as a deadening chill seeped down to his toes. That’s what she’d yelled at him this morning as he’d rushed out of the house to get to the festival. He’d promised to help with the opening ceremony, forgetting they’d already over-committed themselves. But that had been way back in November when he’d promised Karen. He never broke a promise. At least, not intentionally.Now it was starting to all come back to him.“So,” Lexie shifted her weight from one boot to the other. “Want me to tell these folks to go home ‘cause the show is over? Or, do you want to do it?”

Chapter One

September 15th- End of tourist seasonThe canoe cut through the swift current like syrup sliding over a stack of pancakes. Haley Madison-Winters fumbled with the paddle, trying to keep the blasted contraption in the middle of the river so as to avoid the brush and fallen trees littering the shoreline. The wind had grown cooler by the minute and sent little goose bumps all down her bare legs. Why hadn’t she listened to her own good sense and worn jeans? Or her parka?Blasted Yankees and their promise of this being a pleasantly warm day. They wouldn’t know real warmth if it slapped them upside their silly heads. Fifty-six was not warm! Not even in the same county as warm. Back home in Texas, they’d still be lighting the fireplace in temperatures like this. She shivered as drops of arctic water fell across her ankles and sneakers. Any minute now Haley expected an iceberg to float past.“Are you paying attention, babe?” asked Ethan, who she usually called her Handsome Yank when she wasn’t so all-fired annoyed with him.Haley’s head snapped up to find they were heading toward a clump of brush. Her mind scrambled. Did she push left or… and how did one put on the brakes? “Right, go right!” Ethan laughed so loud, she spun around, considering smacking his fool head with the paddle. His dark brown hair hung in his gray eyes that sparkled with his merriment. He wore a red shirt that read, “This is what a smokin’ hot violinist looks like” over navy cargo shorts. She’d bought him that shirt for his 27th birthday because she totally agreed with it.“Ethan Gene Winters, this isn’t the least bit funny!” Haley snapped, having had enough of his laughing at her. This was supposed to be fun, they all said. It would be the perfect day to bring the boats back to the property so they could put them up for the winter, they’d suggested. What a perfect opportunity to have some family time, they’d declared.They, being the Winters family: Mom and Pop Winters who rode in another canoe farther up ahead with the youngest son, Jeremy.Stephen Gaines, Ethan’s best friend, and future brother-in-law rode in the canoe following theirs with Bekka Winters, his fiancée, and Haley’s black sheepdog, Wally between them. Even Walls seemed to be having the time of his life with his big ol’ tongue hanging from the side of his snout.Ethan opened his mouth, nodding his head toward the bow of the canoe, but she cut him off. “This isn’t funny, you polecat! I told you I’m not comfortable in a boat. I don’t know what I’m doing. I—”“You’re about to run us into that—!” His words were cut off when the front scraped against the scrub. “Tree.”Haley barely had time to lean back to avoid being impaled by a low hanging branch. When she opened her eyes a particularly sharp stem came into focus only inches from her face. An inch above that hung a spider suspended from a web. A shudder bolted through her. “I’ve had about enough of this!”“You can’t give up on me now.” Ethan back paddled, bringing the canoe away from the brush-covered shoreline. “We still have another two miles before we reach the lodge.”Haley remained laying in the bottom of the boat between the hard, narrow benches. She looked up at his amused face and gave him her most furious glare.His grin only widened. “You’re beautiful even when you’re mad, do you know that?”Ha! She wasn’t going for his sweet talkin’ and smooth words. They normally worked, but not today. She did not like this boat. Not at all. Give her a wild horse to break. She’d even take corralling a herd of longhorn steer over this floating coffin. Her feet were made for boots and land. Not the swift, flowing rivers. “I’m ready to jump ship, Capt’n.”He leaned forward and planted a kiss on her forehead. “No jumping ship, mate.” He helped her to sit back up. “Now come on, you can do this. I’m the one doing most of the work. All you need to do is keep us in the middle.”“Right.” She jabbed the paddle against a thick section of the tree and helped to push them into the current.“Everything all right over there?” Stephen called out while he and Bekka floated past as if they were riding in a fancy gondola. Wally barked with a wag of his tail. Traitor! None of them looked stressed or freaked out like Haley was feeling. Blasted Yanks.“We’re fine,” Ethan answered. “Just a little mutiny from the crew, but she’ll get the hang of it.”The boat wobbled as Haley tried to settle her bottom on the hard seat.Stephen chuckled. “What’s the matter? That little Texas tornado can’t handle the water?”Fire burned behind Haley’s eyes. Swinging the paddle, she tried to send a splash toward Gaines, but only managed to cause the boat to tilt dangerously.“Easy now!” Ethan warned, grasping the edges and leaning against the tilt. “You better get going, Gaines, before we’re dealing with a cyclone instead of a little twister.”His laughter followed him as they sped down the river like graceful ice skaters on a frozen pond. Haley thought all kinds of hateful thoughts she would probably have to apologize to God for later. At the moment….“Come on, beautiful,” Ethan coaxed in that sweet enticing voice of his. “Don’t let him get to you. We’re out of the brush. All you need to do is direct us back to the middle.” He gave the boat a push, propelling them forward.Haley almost tumbled backward, but quickly righted herself. “You’re going too fast.”“If I paddle any slower, we’ll be going backward. And as much as I’m enjoying our quality time, I’d like to get to the landing site before the stars start shining.”She turned in her seat, looking back over her shoulder. Good thing he was a handsome fella. “When I said I missed our times together, this is not what I had in mind. I was thinking of taking the horses out for a ride in the woods. Or maybe a picnic on the beach. Or even a night out at the movies. You know, like we used to do before you got so busy with your recording studio.”Ethan set the paddle across his knees and rested his elbows on it. Pushing his hair away from his eyes, he gave a quick nod. “I’m sorry it has been so crazy. Between trying to help my parents get the Lodge going and organizing the Labor Day Music-fest, my head has been constantly spinning. Plus, I have more bookings from bands wanting to record than I ever dreamed I’d have.” His stormy grays nearly pierced her heart when he added, “I’m just trying to keep my head above water.”Haley stared down at the crystal-clear water surrounding their little craft. A large fish darted past. She found it so much easier to keep the canoe steady when he wasn’t pushing, and they just floated with the current.“I know, I know. I didn’t mean to sound like a nag the other night.” They’d gotten into another one of their little tiffs, as she generally called their increasingly frequent disagreements.Ethan called them intense negotiations. Her mouth quirked up in half a grin. They’d made up quickly after the last argument. He’d promised to try to make more time for her. This wasn’t exactly what she’d had in mind, but she felt like an ornery steer for bucking at him and making a fuss when he really was very busy.At least the Music-fest was behind them. Except now Ma Winters was chomping at the bit to get the wedding plans going full steam. Why had she suggested having a real ceremony? They were fine. Most days.“I’m sorry, Ethan.” Ducking her head, she played with the threads of her cut-offs. “You were so good to me when I was trying to get my restaurant and the B&B going. I wish there was more I could do to help you out.”“You can.” That mischievous glint flickered in his gaze. “Keep me fed with your wonderful meals, kiss me every time you see me, and the occasional foot massage would be nice, too.”She dug the paddle into the water and jerked it upward, sending a spray of water at her husband, though very few knew except the family that they were already married. The folks in Madison Creek were waiting to attend their ceremony scheduled right before Christmas.Turning to face the bow, she titled her nose in the air and replied airily, “Well, you best get me back home in one piece if you’re hoping for any of that to happen.”The boat jerked forward as he began paddling again. “Does that mean I’ll get a foot massage tonight?”Stephen and Bekka’s boat came into view again as they rounded a bend in the river. Even Mom and Pop Winters had stopped their boat beside someone’s dock to wait for everyone to catch up. She recognized the Miller’s house, the kind family who’d agreed to stable her horses, Mable and Cress. Oh, how she missed riding whenever the notion took her.“About time you kids caught up.” Pop Winters shook his graying head. Jeremy sat in the middle of his parent’s boat, looking miserably bored. Haley almost wanted to ask if he would trade places with her but knew that would hurt Ethan’s feelings.Neither of them responded as they sailed on past everyone.Stephen brought his boat up beside theirs. “They’ve been held up over a discord from the crew.”“Hush you,” Haley warned, her grip tightening on the oar until her knuckles whitened. When Wally started whining, she said, “An’ I don’t need your sass either, Walls!”Stephen just laughed and moved on ahead. Mom and Pop fell in behind them.Ethan pushed the canoe so fast, Haley had a hard time keeping the front-end steady. Not to mention she had no idea what she was doing. She tried to push to the left side of Stephen and Bekka’s boat as they gained on their canoe. Ethan seemed determined to turn this into a competition.“Slow down,” Haley cautioned. “This isn’t a derby race!”“I’m not going near as fast as I could. This craft was made for speed. I was hoping there’d be a few rapids but—”Oh no! Nobody mentioned riding any wild rapids on this trip. It was just supposed to be a leisurely boat ride. He’d better hope they didn’t come across any rapids, or she’d bail ship for sure. She grabbed the strap on her life jacket and pulled it tighter, even though nobody else wore one. They said the jackets wouldn’t be necessary. Well, she’d been played the fool for getting in this death pod, she’d not be a completely stupid bovine about it.“Ethan, I’m serious. Can’t you slow down just a little?” she shouted.An irritated grunt came from behind her.Stephen leaned forward, shooting his friend a look of challenge. Haley’s blood ran cold, and not from the cool breeze, either. Stephen pushed ahead a few feet that grew into even more. Bekka laughed and helped him. Wally stood as if enjoying the wind on his snout.That rotten polecat Gaines mouthed something to Ethan. Haley was sure the words was wimp, or weak, or some other derogatory remark that would get her husband’s tail-feathers riled up. Whatever Stephen said, Ethan took the bait, and the race was on!“Don’t—” Haley started to warn. She spotted the Miller’s barn as they shot past faster than a bullet out of a rifle. Blast them darn boys! Always challenging each other. Always trying to one-up the other. And here she was caught dead in the middle of their sorry race. Bekka threw her head back with a triumphant laugh, her dark curls trailing behind her like a racehorses’ tail.The canoe shimmied, and Haley dunked the oar to the left, then the right, hoping to keep the boat on course. But as they came dangerously close to the other one, she panicked, fearing Ethan would ram them in the stern.She managed to jerk the front away from Stephen’s canoe but ended up putting on too much of a turn. The bow careened left, heading straight for a fallen trunk hanging over the river. “Ethan. Stop! Slow down. Hit the brakes—”“Turn!” He shouted.Both of them leaned right as she dragged the paddle deep into the water. Unfortunately, they ended up turning sideways moments before they slammed against the fallen tree. “Now what?” Haley screamed as water rose up the side of the tilting boat.“Lean back. Lean—”Water poured into the canoe. They tumbled over. Arctic cold water surrounded Haley. Panic seized her. The shore! She shimmying up the steep slope, grabbing dried grass, prickly branches, anything that would help propel her upward. She was sure that, for a moment, she’d actually run on the water’s surface to get herself to safety before she drowned.Panting, Haley collapsed on the grassy shore, wiping strands of her drenched blond hair from her eyes.Ethan stood waist deep in the river, still clutching his paddle as he glared at her. He reached for her abandoned one, then grabbed the edge of the overturned canoe. With a loud grunt, he had it flipped upright and tossed the oars inside. “Good thing we put our belongings in plastic. Bekka probably knew this would happen.” He turned toward the canoe where his sister and her fiancé were practically rolling on their backs with laughter. Wally barked as if he also joined their hilarity.“Come on,” Ethan held out his hand to help Haley back in. But she wasn’t having any more of that death contraption.Shaking her head, she scooted further away.He pushed his long bangs back and squeezed the water from his collar length hair. Their blue vinyl cooler bobbed to the surface. He yanked it from the water and tossed it in beside the oars. “Haley Belle, sweetheart, you have to get back in. You can’t walk home from here.”Maybe not, but she knew where she was. She’d ask Mr. Miller for a ride home. Or she’d saddle up one of her horses and enjoy a nice ride back to her old Victorian home where a warm cup of tea and some dry clothes waited for her. She shook her head again. Wasn’t no way this side of Heaven she was getting back in that thing!“Look,” Ethan’s tone dripped with his exasperation. “I know you’re madder than… what is it you say? Madder than a wet hen? Whatever it is, you still have to get back in. I swear, I’ll take it slow.”She shook her head. “Nope. Not gonna happen, buddy.”He stepped closer to the shore, his gray eyes darkening like an impending storm. “I have to get this boat to the landing site, honey. Come on. I’ll ride up front, and you can sit in the back. Maybe that’ll work better. You can push us along at whatever pace you’re comfortable with.”Haley stood, shivering as the cold water ran in rivulets down her back and legs. “I love you, but I’m done with that.” She pointed a shaky finger at the canoe. “I’m sorry. I’ll see you at home.” Yes, she was wet. And, yep she was mad, but her temper far outdid any ol’ angry hen. Her fury was more like a cornered wild animal. She needed to walk away now before she did or said something she’d regret later. Without another word, she turned and headed toward the brown barn.“Wait, Haley.” Ethan climbed from the river, hanging onto the rope tied to the front of the canoe. He looked around, and she could see he realized where they were. “You’re serious. You’ll not give me another chance?”She hated the pain in his gaze. This wasn’t about him. What she wanted was more time with him, but they’d both gotten themselves too busy to know which end was up anymore. She hated how the few times she saw him over the past few weeks was in passing or at meals which he made quick work of before he returned to his studio. He no longer even had time to help her run the restaurant. His mother and sister worked those shifts now. At least, she finally had a full staff thanks to the teens at church.The Winters men were busy with the lodge and studio from the time they climbed out of bed until late into the night.But she couldn’t hold it against Ethan. He’d helped her make her dream a reality. She wanted so much to do the same for him but was out of her element. This boat trip was beyond her comfort territory. She liked solid land under her feet.“Sorry baby. I’ll see you at home.” She turned and jogged toward the barn, hoping to find comfort in her horses. Her heart was breaking into a million pieces. They’d only been married five short months. Maybe they had rushed things, but she had no regrets about marrying Ethan Winters. He was everything and more than she ever dreamed she might find in a husband. She hoped he wasn’t regretting their secret wedding. She hoped that wasn’t the real reason he kept himself so busy.

* * * *

Ethan shivered as the cooling breeze seeped through his drenched clothes. Jeremy had replaced his previous shipmate. He breathed out a curse under his breath. Then sent up a silent apology.How would he make this up to her? She was usually a bit of a thrill-seeker, it seemed to him. He’d been so sure she would enjoy the canoe ride.At least they’d capsized somewhere that he knew she’d be safe. The Millers had been taking care of Haley’s horses for the past few months. He’d been trying so hard to save up enough cash to build stables on their property. Horseback riding would be a nice draw to lodge customers and something Haley wanted to offer her own bed and breakfast visitors.She’d been missing her horses.Jeremy handled the boat much better and soon they’d passed Stephen and Bekka. Wally whined, his gaze locked on his master’s retreating form. Man, he’d even upset the dog!Bekka glanced at Ethan apologetically. He shook his head. Wasn’t their fault. He’d been the one to bite Stephen’s bait. The challenge made the ride more interesting and the boats move faster. He still had so much to get done today….Which was a big part of the problems they were having.“You sure she’ll be okay?” his younger brother asked, keeping his strokes steady. “I could have got the boat back on my own. You should have gone after her.”Ethan scowled. “You think I need your advice on how to handle my wife?”Jeremy’s head bobbed. “Yeah. You kind of suck at it, if you ask me.”“Well, I didn’t. So hush!”When had the boy turned into a man? He’d joined the wrestling and weight club back in high school and had gotten scholarships to college for wrestling. His bulky arms and broadening chest put Ethan to shame, though he’d never admit that out loud.Jeremy had decided to start with a smaller local college down in Muskegon his first semester. The close distance made it easier for him to return home for the weekends so he could continue helping Haley in her restaurant. He adored his boss and hated when Ethan upset her. A few times Ethan had considered ordering his little brother a Team Haley t-shirt. They finally reached the dock at their property and Ethan quickly hopped out to help push the canoe onto the shore. They’d store them away in the boathouse for the winter.“I’ve got this,” Jeremy shoved him backward. “I don’t care if you get mad at me. I meant it. You need to go and apologize to Haley.”“I’ll—”“Now!” Jeremy shoved him again.Ethan glanced around at the rest of his family. Mom offered a nod. Dad chuckled and said, “Don’t forget what I always say, If momma isn’t happy, then nobody’s going to be happy.”Mom nodded more vigorously. “Go on, sweetheart. We’ve got this. You need to check that she’s made it home okay.”The odds were stacked against him. They were right, of course. Avoiding her would only make matters worse. He took off toward the Victorian at a jog. The pace helped to warm him up and dry his clothes, which he’d need to change anyway.Wally followed after him, beating him to the French doors of their bedroom suites. He peeked in before entering but saw no sign of her. Surely the Millers had brought her home? They were a kind and generous couple, always offering a hand to neighbors in need.The moment he closed the French door behind him, he heard the shower turn off. Oh good. She was home. He bent to scratch Wally’s head, ignoring the ball he dropped between his sneakers. “Not now. I have to sweet talk your girl. I’m sure she’s still fuming?” He headed for the closet to pick out some dry, and warmer, clothes.Wally followed him, the ball sticking from the side of the mouth as if to say, “Play with me and I’ll put in a good word for you, chump.”Ethan wasn’t sure why, but he always had the feeling that’s exactly what Wally called him: chump.The bathroom door opened, releasing a cloud of steam as Haley came out wrapped in a bathrobe and drying her blond curls with a fresh towel. Under normal conditions, he’d make suggestive remarks about borrowing her robe, but this probably wasn’t the time.“Hey—” he started when he noticed her smiling as she hummed one of her country tunes. “What’s going on?”She stopped beside the bed, her pretty blues widened as if she just then had realized he was there. Hugging the towel to her chest, she bit at her lower lip. “You put out with me?”His shoulders sagged as he closed the distance between them. “No, beautiful. It was my fault we tipped. You’d asked me to slow down and I—”“I was being an old stick in the mud. I know it. I just get a little nervous in the water. Took a tumble in a river when I was little and almost…. Well, they pulled me out in time, but I’d swallowed down a lot of water. They were pounding on my chest and Mama was crying and all.”Ethan grabbed her arms and turned her to face him. “Why didn’t you tell me, Haley Isabelle! I would have understood your fear of the water if you’d told—”“I don’t wanna be afraid of nothing. I-I’d wanted to try. But y’all knew what you were doing. I didn’t and I got scared anyway.”He pulled her to his chest, hugging her so tight she yelped. Loosening his hold, he showered her soap-scented face with gentle kisses.Haley placed her hand against his chest and pulled away.That wasn’t a good sign.“Maybe later we can try the canoes again? Maybe just you and me? Bekka and Stephen were having fun, enjoying each other. And your Ma and Pa, they were enjoying themselves, too.”And he’d had to go an let his competitive edge get the better of him. All he’d been thinking about was getting the boats back home so he could move on to the next task at hand. “I’m going to make this up to you, babe.”“Really?” She leaned in and gave him a kiss. A quick peck, as if she was still unsure.“Yes, I promise. Anything you want.” That promise would most likely require him to move appointments around, but… yes, she was totally worth it. He wished she’d understand how much she meant to him, but for some reason, she needed that time together to convince her.Haley reached into her pocket and withdrew her cell phone. “I want you to promise me you’ll not freak out.”“What?” His heart started racing. Now, what had happened? “Why?” He tried to fight back the panic rising up in his chest. Had she received some bad news? Didn’t seem like it from her shy grin.She showed him a text from her little sister, Lexie. The girl was around Jeremy’s age and had been in the custody of the State of Texas ever since he’d met Haley. At first, she’d wanted to get her restaurant going so she could get her sister out of the juvenile system, but over time, they realized she’d soon be eighteen and could make up her own mind where she’d want to go.He’d suspected the Texas girl would find a ranch to work at since that’s what their family had always done. It was where Haley had learned to how to grill and cook for large groups of people.Ethan tried to read the text, but Haley’s hand was trembling too much. He shook his head in question. “What is she up to now?”Haley actually cringed, despite her brimming grin. “She’s hopped on a bus. Cashed in that ticket I sent her for her birthday. Said she should be here by the end of this week. Isn’t that wonderful?”Ethan’s breath caught. The girl who’d been caught shoplifting and was always in trouble for drinking, or other things? She was on her way… here?“You’re joking, right?” he blurted, unable to stop the words and regretting them the moment they flew from his lips.

Chapter Two

Alexandria Hamilton’s head pounded as if she’d been caught under a cattle stampede. She rolled over in bed and met up against an obstacle. Her eyes flew open. Where was she? This wasn’t her bedroom in the group home.Beside her came a deep snore. A very unfamiliar snore. Her head pounded from an overindulgence of too many Texas Teas.What’s wrong with me? Why didn’t I stop on the second…or even the third drink? That had been more than enough. If she remembered correctly, by the third round, she was up on that karaoke stage belting out a sorry rendition of Boot-Scootin' Boogie.“Aw, man.” Rubbing her aching forehead, Lexie slowly sat up and dared a look around. As her eyes adjusted to the dim glow filtering through the heavy curtains, she was able to make out the forms of about ten other people. Some were sprawled across the couch and floor, others curled up in the few chairs occupying the apartment. A few were fully dressed and others…not so much.Unfortunately, she was one of the less dressed people. A disgusted groan escaped Lexie’s lips. She clamped a hand over her mouth before she woke everyone up. What had she done?She and a couple of girls from her job at the Wigglesmart grocery had decided to celebrate getting her cosmetologist license. It had finally come in the mail. Her ticket to a real job and maybe finally a place of her own.More memories started to flood back. Sneaking into the bar. That dumb cowboy buying her drink after drink. He’d been too grabby on the dance floor. Had she managed to ditch him?Something moved beside her. She was on one of those fold-out couches. Daring a peek over her shoulder, she spotted a patch of black spiky hair poking from under the blanket belonging to that beastly cowboy. Ugh! No, no, no!!She bolted off the bed and nearly tripped over Glenna. Her now ex-best friend!Drat, that good for nothing! She’d been the designated driver. Hadn’t Glenna promised to make sure Lexie didn’t overdo the partying?She wrapped a sheet around body and went in search of her belongings. How many people had crashed in the small apartment? As more details became clear, Lexie was relieved that she wasn’t but a few blocks from her own place. She’d hightail it home before anyone realized she was gone.Hopefully.Having finally turned eighteen, she was on the verge of being free to fly and start her own life. She needed a real job with real income. More importantly, she needed to get out of here.Far away from here.Wasn’t going to happen if she kept ending up in a drunken stupor and waking up Lord only knew where. Not that the Lord would bother to help her. God didn’t bother with anyone from the Hamilton family line. Daddy always said so when her sissy, Haley-girl, was reading those Bible stories to her at night. He said there was no point learning about some mythical-being that wouldn’t care a whiff about folks like them, even if he were real.Lexie had always hoped He was real. Haley insisted He was.After sorting through various bits of discarded clothing, Lexie found a pair of jeans that looked her size. Better than nothing. She found her purse in the kitchen, along with a black t-shirt showing a hockey team emblem on the front. Good enough. Her black boots were next to the entryway. She grabbed them on the way out, quietly closing the door behind her.Shoving her feet into the boots, she took off down the road at a walking jog.Had Warden, as they called their dorm mother, realized Lexie never returned home last night? Could she lie her way out of trouble again? Surely someone must have seen her at the bar. Hadn’t she table danced at one point?Lexie fisted her tangled dark brown hair. “Don’t be thinking about it. Think about what to do next.” Hopefully, her little celebratory outing wouldn’t set her back too far. She was so close to being free. So close to proving that she was ready to grow up and do something useful with her life.If only she’d not cave to her friend’s cajoling. Every time…. Despite her reservations, she’d let them goad her into having a little fun. Cutting loose…blah, blah… she blew out a raspberry.So dumb.If only she could have a new start. Move to someplace where nobody knew her name.Wait.Lexie stopped and dug into her purse. “Please still be there. Please, please…Yes!” She pulled out the letter from her sister. The wrinkled birthday card was bent in a curve from being at the bottom of her bag, but it didn’t seem as if anyone had rummaged through the contents. She pulled the ripped side open a fraction of an inch. To her relief, the hundred-dollar bill was still there, along with the bus ticket. “Yes!”She could leave. Nothing really kept her here. And if she went far enough away, the juvie system would probably drop her case and forget all about her. So long as she kept her behind out of hot water.But where would she go?A hundred bucks wouldn’t last long. She didn’t have a job, yet, and had spent what money she’d made at the grocery store and walking dogs to pay the fee for her license to cut hair.When she reached the group house, she slipped her key into the door and quietly slipped inside. She paused in the foyer, listening for sounds of anyone moving through the house. Warden must still be engrossed in her beauty sleep. Lexie removed her boots and tip-toed down the hall to her room. It wasn’t much bigger than a closet, but it was hers. For the most part. Of course, that didn’t stop the other girls from sneaking in now and then to “borrow” clothes or what few pieces of jewelry she owned.Lexie sat on the bed and pulled the birthday card from the envelope. Haley’s letter fluttered to the floor. She picked it up and read it over, having skimmed it the day it came in the mail last week.

Know you aren’t keen on coming up to Arctic-land. I wasn’t either, but Madison Creek is such a nice little town, and it’s wonderful during the summer. At least promise me that you’ll consider my offer. Just come for a few months. I miss you and want to see your sweet freckled face. Ha-ha. I know you love the excitement of the rodeos and hoped to find work at one. So did our Ma. All I’m asking is for a short visit before you settle into something and get too busy. Come to our second wedding this Christmas. Lexie hadn’t talked much about her cosmetology schooling. Her drinking buddies teased her about being a beautician. A term she didn’t care for. She’d ignored them. Once she found a nice little shop to work in, she’d earn a decent living and that’s all that mattered to her.She re-focused on the letter.There’s a store in town that has silver studded boots you’ll die for. Glo moved here from Oklahoma and she’s adjusting just fine.If you’re not keen on coming during the winter season, then maybe you’ll come to visit next summer. The Adventure Lodge will be in full swing by then. There will be hunting and fishing and cute boys hanging around. Write or call when you can. I’m including a bus ticket that you can cash in any time you decide you want to come to see me. A plane would be quicker, but I know how you feel about your feet leaving the ground. I love you, Sissy. And miss you something terrible. Haley She drew a couple of hearts under her name.A big part of Lexie’s heart missed Haley, too, with her annoying optimism that things would somehow work out for the best. Hale believed in the Lord and would tell Lexie to not listen to Mad Max who was usually too drunk to know his boots from his hat.Unfortunately, that was true.For the most part.Michigan. It would certainly be a fresh start. Haley promised to send her back if she absolutely hated it. Lexie dug out her folded paper license that she’d shoved into her wallet once they all decided a celebration was in order.“Stupid, stupid, stupid.” She smoothed the paper over her knee. Would she be able to work up there? Maybe she could transfer her license to another state.A door slammed somewhere within the apartment as the Warden’s voice boomed. “Has that girl come back yet?”Lexie gasped, bolted up from the bed, and then locked her bedroom door. It wouldn’t hold the Warden off for too long but would give her time to toss a few items into a bag. She had five minutes, ten at best. Before Warden would deal with any situation, a cup of coffee needed to be brewed and gulped down first.Good thing Lexie didn’t have much to pack. She wanted, and desperately needed, a shower. It would have to wait. First things first. Get out of Dodge and cash in that ticket. Haley wanted her to visit, and she would. Surely if she could afford to send that one-hundred-dollar bill, there might be more. Hale had turned her ol’ Papop’s house into some kind of hotel.Yep, that’s what she’d do. Head north for a spell until she could get her head on straight. She grabbed what few clothes and belongings she kept in the tiny closet and shoved them into a large tote bag. Toiletries would have to remain in the bathroom. She’d buy some deodorant on the way.“You in there?” Warden pounded on her door. “So help me, I’ll—”Lexie didn’t wait to hear the rest of the threat. She shoved open the window and shimmied out the opening, landing on her backside when she flipped over to get her legs out. Reaching back inside, she grabbed her bag off the bed along with a leather fringe coat that she wouldn’t need for another couple of months. She loved her jacket as much as her boots and wouldn’t leave it behind.Taking off at a run, she headed for the main road. The Greyhound stopped at a small station in the next town over. Holding out her thumb as she walked along, it didn’t take long before an old red pickup slowed. “Please, please stop. And please, please don’t be a serial killer.”When the truck pulled onto the side of the road, Lexie slipped her switchblade from her purse to the back pocket of her jeans.To her relief, when she opened the passenger door, she saw Martha from The Tilting Pancakes café in the driver’s seat. A black Stetson rested low over her brow, the edges were slightly frayed from years of use. “And where are you hitching off to, Missy?”Lexie relaxed for the first time that morning. “To see my Sissy up north. She wrote that she needs my help, so I’m going to visit for a bit. Got a bus ticket. Can you give me a ride to the next—”“Are you telling me the truth, Lexie darlin’? If you’re running away, just say so. Won’t stop you, but not sure I want trouble if—”Lexie held up Haley’s note and the bus ticket. She’d tucked that Franklin away in her front pocket. “Honest.”Martha gave a nod and put the truck in gear. “Lucky you, I’m heading in that direction, anyway.”Blowing out a sigh of relief, Lexie dug her phone from the depths of her purse to find it had one remaining bar. Great, she’d forgotten to grab her charger, too. Well, one bar was enough to send a quick text letting Haley know she was on her way.For better or worse, Lexie Hamilton was on her way to Yankee-land.Oh boy.

* * * *

Micah Yates stepped from the terminal and pulled the beige knit scarf around his neck a little tighter. He’d forgotten how quickly in the year Michigan turned cold. Mid-September and already the trees were turning and waves of fiery-colored leaves flowed across the roads and sidewalks.Uncle Taylor, sheriff of Madison Creek, promised to pick Micah up right outside of the terminal. It was a smaller airport, so finding Uncle shouldn’t prove too difficult.A horn beeped from a black Crown Victoria parked in the circular drive. That would be him in the second-hand, refurbished cruiser. Micah grasped the handle of his suitcase and hurried toward the waiting vehicle.Taylor Boyd was a large man with a bristling mustache that was slightly darker than his thinning silver hair. At least he wasn’t in his uniform today. Instead, he wore his casual starched jeans and a denim button-down shirt under a thick gray wool sweater.He welcomed Micah with a hearty hug before hitting the button to open the trunk. “So glad you made it without trouble, Mikey.” His big hand pounded Micah’s back. Uncle Taylor never did get his name exactly right, but Micah didn’t complain. He didn’t mind the pet name in the least. “You’re Auntie Lynelle is so excited to see you, as well. Sure wish we could have offered you a place to stay, but since we moved into that little apartment—”“No worries sir, I’m all set up with a job and room at the B&B.” He lifted the heavy case and dropped it into the trunk with a grunt. It contained everything he owned. No going back. Dad had said if he was going to chase foolish notions, then he was on his own.Fine with Micah.Mom had slipped him a few twenties from her stash and made him promise to call at least once a week. “You go and stretch those wings, baby. We’ll be here if you need us.”That was Mom. Always the peacemaker. It didn’t matter. There was no way he’d be going back home. Micah was glad he took more after her than this stringent father.Uncle closed the hood. “Well, you picked a decent place to work. I was doubtful about that southern girl at first, but Madison’s establishment is top-notch and popular with the townsfolk.”Micah pulled a magazine from his carry on. “Her barbecue restaurant got some great reviews in this travel guide.” He flipped to a page with a picture of the Victorian Bed and Breakfast. A blond woman wearing a cowboy hat and red boots stood next to the front door. “They gave her four and a half stars.”Uncle grabbed the magazine before he walked around to the driver’s side. “No kidding? Well, I’m impressed. Wonder if Karen Borgman has seen this?”Micah climbed into the passenger seat and set his carry-on bag between his feet.“Karen’s on the town council and in charge of tourism,” Uncle explained. “A write-up like this is a big deal in getting tourist to come and visit our town.”“I’m certainly excited about all the renovations going on in Madison Creek. I remember what it used to be like. Two places to eat, a lot of vacant buildings and that old auto shop.”That had been years ago when Micah was a fifth grader in elementary. Then his family decided they’d had enough with struggling to get by and moved to warmer climates with better work opportunities.“Benton Auto is still there,” Uncle Taylor said. “Mallory’s Diner has had a major overhaul and is quite the place to grab a nice home cooked meal. And then there’s the Lakeshore—that’s fancy and expensive. Haley Madison’s place might be outside of town, but she brings in the crowds and charges fair prices for her bar-b-que. People have to make reservations to get in on the weekends. She still only opens three days a week.” Uncle started the car and pulled out into the flow of traffic moving around the circular drive.“When I did the phone interview with her, she said that’s all she can handle right now. Maybe once I prove that I can cook, too, then she’ll consider extending her hours.”Uncle Taylor snorted a chuckle. “You better wait until you see the kind of meals that Texas girl cooks. Some things she serves I’ve never even heard of. She calls it Tex-Mex, I call it straight out burn-your-tongue-off hot!”Micah sat back in the seat and let the heater’s warm air thaw his chilled fingers and feet. “We live in New Mexico, remember? I think she and I will get along just fine.”“I bet you will. Already heard from your Mom. She wanted to make sure I had the right flight time. My sister the worry-wort. Promised we’d keep an eye on you. But from all her bragging, I doubt that’s going to be a difficult task. Did you really spend two years in Africa doing missionary work?”“Well,” Micah wondered if the heater was turned up too high as the heat rose up along his neck. “I helped to build houses and I cooked in the kitchen for the other missionaries.” He wasn’t outgoing and bold like the men who went to the villages preaching the gospel. Nope, he preferred working behind the scenes: Feeding families that came to the camp for help, or playing ball with the kids while their parents visited the medical staff. He wasn’t good at picking up different languages. Nor was he good about talking to people he didn’t know very well.However, he did like to build. And Micah Yates believed there were no lost causes. Which was why when he heard Mom talking to Uncle Taylor about Madison Creek’s Revitalization Program, his interest was piqued to the point he started doing a little research online. That’s when he saw the ad for Mrs. Haley’s restaurant and inn. They were also building, she’d said. An Adventure Lodge to draw people to the town. An inn where they could stay and good food to keep them happy, she’d explained in that Texas twang she had.Maybe it wasn’t what Dad had in mind for his only son, but Micah knew deep down that God had something great planned for him in Madison Creek. He only needed to be obedient and take that first step out of the boat.“My Lord have mercy,” Uncle Taylor exclaimed, drawing Micah’s attention back to the two-lane highway there were traveling on. “What is she doing way out here? Dressed like that?”A few yards ahead, a hitchhiker walked along the edge of the road, head down and thumb sticking up. The girl had a short jacket with more fringe than anything covering her trim body. Her jeans were mostly patches of rips and frayed strings running along her long legs. Her clingy pink shirt didn’t even cover her midriff. Dark brown hair blew around her face. His heart rammed into his throat. What an oddity to see walking along a Michigan road.“We’ll have to stop and offer her a ride,” Micah suggested. “Don’t you think?”“Should arrest her for indecent— well, let’s see what she’s about. Do you mind climbing into the back? I’d like to keep her in my line of sight.”Micah grabbed his shoulder bag as the Crown Vic pulled to a stop a few feet ahead of the girl. He hopped out and motioned her to climb in.“You have to be freezing out here, Miss.” He had the back door open and was tossing his stuff onto the seat when she reached his side. She was even more stunning up close with those magnetic blue eyes and full red lips. A large bag, stuffed full of rumpled clothes, hung from her shoulder.“Sure am, handsome. Where y’all heading?” Her voice sounded strangely familiar. But his future employer was a blond. He’d seen several pictures on her website and in that magazine.“We’re heading to Madison Creek. You?”She reached for the back-door handle. “Same. What a co-winki-dink.”Micah moved to block the door. “You can have the front, Ma’am.” He put on a mock drawl, unable to stop himself. “Just where in Madison Creek are you heading to?”Her lips pursed together. “Jus’ get me there. Where I’m going is my business, good sir.”Oh, she was something. Definitely not from around here. What a co-winki-dink, indeed. “Okay. Hop in.” He waited for her to settle herself in the seat where Uncle Taylor gave her his sheriff stink-eye. Her hand brushed against her back pocket then rested on her knee as she greeted the driver.Micah closed the door then got into the back, not bothering to buckle in. He wanted to sit where he had the best view of the wild beauty.Uncle Taylor tried getting their rider to say where she was going, but she remained guarded, despite her tight smile and flirtatious banter.“You’re not from around here, are you?” Taylor asked, pulling back onto the road.“No, sir. Rode the Greyhound up from Thistle, Texas. Prolly too small of a town to be much more than a speck of dust on the map.”Uncle nodded. “That would explain your lack of, um, I mean, you’re not really dressed for Michigan weather.”“True that, Mister. When I left it was in the high nineties at nine in the morning. Sure not summer up here anymore, is it?” She glanced back at Micah, a nervous glint in her eyes. “Shouldn’t you sit back and put a seatbelt on?”Uncle’s brow rose. “You talk like someone I know. What did you say your name was?”“I didn’t. You sure ask a lot of question, Mister. You a cop or something?”The Crown’s speed slowed as his uncle’s brows furrowed into a tight line. “You on the run, Miss?”The woman’s countenance stiffened as she glowered first at uncle, then back at him. “Um, are you his bulldog, or what? Not safe to be hovering over the front seat like that, don’t you think?”Micah made no effort to move but kept his tight smile in plastered on. Something was off about the girl.“Sit back, Micah.” Uncle’s tone went dead serious. The car was only going half the speed marked on the highway signs. “Listen here, young lady. I’m going to have to insist you start telling me the truth. Who are—”“Then I’m gonna have to insist you pull over and drop me off right here, Mr. Nosy. Not any of your business where I’m going.”“I’m not going to drop you off, sweetheart. Why don’t—”The girl reached for her back pocket and pulled out a metal looking stick. With a click, a blade shot out the end that was about the size of his palm.“Pull over. Now!” She ordered in a tone that made Micah’s back stiffen.His breath caught. “Uncle, you better do what she says—”“Hang on,” was all Uncle got out before his foot shoved down the brake. The car screeched to an abrupt stop, slamming Micah against the front seat. The girl flew forward but was caught by her seatbelt. She let out a stream of curses that nearly burned his ears.In one fluid motion, Uncle Taylor reached for her knife-wielding hand, gave her wrist a sharp twist and had the knife in his own grasp. He dropped it down into the junk compartment of his door by the time he pulled the car onto the shoulder and slammed the gearshift into park.“So, here’s how this is going to go, young lady.” He reached into the pocket of his shirt and pulled out a wallet which he flipped open to show his sheriff’s badge. “You can either tell me your name and where you’re going, or I’ll escort you to the Madison Creek jail, run your fingerprints and find out your identity that way. I’m fairly sure we’ll have no trouble tracing your prints to a name in some county jail’s database. Am I wrong?”She stomped her boot on the floorboard. “Son of a—”“The only words I care to hear from you, young lady, is in answer to my question.”She slumped into the seat, crossing her arms over her chest. “No sir, you’re not wrong. My name is Lexie Hamilton. I’m heading to my sister’s house. She runs a B&B outside of town. Her name is—”“Haley Madison?” Uncle finished for her.“Hey, you know her?”Uncle put the car in gear and pulled back onto the road. “Oh, do I…. She’s going to have some explaining to do.”Micah’s mouth dropped. They’d picked up a criminal? One that was related to his new boss? What had he gotten himself into? So much for stepping out of the boat. Hopefully, he’d not end up sinking in over his head because there was no way he’d return home to admit he was wrong.

Leave a Reply.

Author Info

Jackie Castle is an author, artist and dreamer. She lives in Texas with her husband, two grown children and her dog, Banjo. She looks for the extraordinary in the ordinary in everything she experiences.